A/N: Its the WEEKEND! Oh I love it and to top it off I was sent home early from work, howcool is that. I didn't get the sack, they had no work. Just thought I'd clarify.

Anyway back to me story.

Mony19; the reason Prue didn't walk away was that Krolan was her only way home;and he had pulled her into a hug. Also at the moment Prue's kinda not with it at the mo. You might guess the next chap, lol.

So I wrote that up here because I'll probably have more to talk about at the bottom, not sure yet.

Also I think I've spelt Glen wrong, but you all know who I mean don't ya...nod head please.

22. Envy Is As Envy Does.

Paige and Glen were sat on the couch deep in conversation. They had spent the majority of the day together and used their time to discuss what they had been through since they last saw each other.

Paige had just finished telling him about the looming battle and the possible consequences if they were to fail at the task.

"Wow." was all the mortal could manage to get out, as his mouth hang open slightly. Noticing this, he cleared his throat in an attempt to regain his composure. "..and that's what will…."

As his words trailed off, Paige nodded, "Yeah, pretty much. It would be like a permanent Halloween but without the treat." she summed up.

Although meant as a joke, there was very little humour in her voice and the expression she wore had the same effect, as it contradicted her effort to lighten the mood.

Glen breathed out heavily, remaining silent for a short time to grasp the information. "Wow." he whispered again, "I mean…." he once more trailed off, unable to form an articulate sentence, only causing silence to invade the air.

His mind raced with the prospect, and shame slowly etched inside him as he looked over at his best friend. Watching her, he finally found the words he believed more important at this point. "I'm sorry I wasn't there for you Paige."

"No need," she smiled softly, having lost most of her anger the moment he arrived, "..You've always wanted to travel and I had my sisters." the witch gave his hand a squeeze, happy now that he was back.

"I should have stayed or at least left things better between us."

"Forgiven and forgotten." she replied, as she was then distracted by an exhausted and troubled looking Prue walking past and heading for the stairs, too lost in thought to take in her surroundings.

Something's up.. Paige thought concerned, Don't pry, you told her you wouldn't….What if she needs me? …..…Okay Paige, stop arguing with yourself.

"Hey, your back. How'd it go?" she called, acting casually inspite of her concern.

At the sound of her baby sister's voice, Prue jumped and span around. She smiled lightly, forcing herself to once again appear 'fine'. "Sorry, I didn't see you there…"

Your telling me. Paige thought.

"..Yeah, it went well. They got the potions, everything's pretty much set." her sister continued, only now registering Glen was sat next to Paige. "Your back." she spoke icily to the mortal, momentarily forgetting her own problems as her protectiveness set in.

In response Glen smiled timidly, "Yeah." he replied. He had always feared the eldest Halliwell in some way. She held a presence and a stance, he would assume a predator would have. Only now, he felt even more nervous being on the receiving end.

"How long for?" she asked, maintaining the iciness in her voice and attitude.

That stung for him, as he had gotten on well with Prue before he had left. "As long as Paige wants me to." Glen answered sincerely, noticing Prue's eyes melt very slightly.

"That's good to know." as she said that her own problemscame screaming back."Right, I'll leave you two alone."

Prue placed a hand on her little sister's shoulder, allowing Paige to read as a warning to be careful. She knew Prue didn't want her to be hurt again, so Paige smiled.

"Okay." she replied, aware of how Prue would read her answer.

The oldest turned back to Glen, who seemed completely oblivious to the unspoken exchange. "It's nice to see you again, Glen."

"You too Prue."

She smiled in response, "I'll see you later." then she turned back towards her desired location.

Paige watched as she left completely distracted again, then faced Glen while smiling apologetically. "Sorry." she mouthed.

"Nah, I deserved it." he shrugged.

"She's just looking out for me." she replied, glancing at the stairs briefly.

Glen nodded in understanding. "So, what do you wanna do tomorrow?" he smiled.

----------

Prue was still in her own problematic world when she reached the top of the stairs and proceeded mindlessly to her bedroom.

However as she passed a closed door beside her, the sound of Phoebe giggling infiltrated her preoccupied mind, resulting in her stopping still. Instead of the happiness she should have felt for her sister, Prue was envious at what she had, no matter how screwed up she, herself, believed it was.

Shocked at her own thoughts, Prue carried on down the walkway, until she went by another closed door. Now hearing Piper and Leo laughing and talking, she froze once again, while the envy inside her grew.

It began to consume her, as the noise seemed to increase in volume and blend with the carefree laughter of Phoebe, that she had listened to moments ago.

Prue suddenly bolted for the attic, figuring she could clear her mind in the sanctuary of the quiet room.

In such a hurry to escape the dizzying feelings, Prue threw back her hand as she entered the room, intending to close the door. However the door never connected, allowing a gap to appear.

She fell on the old couch, covering her face with her hands. Prue laid on her back for a while, as everything rapidly flooded her already chaotic thoughts. The final event that had triggered the abrupt race to the comforting walls of the attic, now plagued her mind.

I'm jealous of my little sisters she berated herself, how pathetic is that?

In frustration, Prue kicked a discarded box, which was close to her foot. The action, however, did little for her. It couldn't prevent the onslaught of envious and guilty feelings, as her sisters' relationships took centre-stage in her realisation.

Piper and Leo, who have had everything thrown at them and yet they are happily married, expecting a baby. The situation her sister was in at the moment wasn't ideal but she would always have the love and support of her husband. They had each other.

Then there was Phoebe and Cole, who had managed to stay together despite the odds set against them. Good and evil actually able to work as one and finding happiness mutually, while growing as people and as a couple.

Finally Paige and Glen. Although he had only just returned, there was something between the two that had been there for years. They were the perfect compliment for the other and it would only be a matter of time before they realised it.

Prue quickly found the similarities between her baby sister's relationship with Glen and her own with Andy. As a consequence, tears fell from her eyes and she crumbled, allowing everything to finally take it's toll.

Prue tried to pull herself together but failed as the pressure, the expectance and the demand felt too much. In response, she found she had no control over her emotions as everything poured out along with her tears and heavy sobs.

Unexpectedly, a voice could be heard faintly over her increasing sobs.

"Prue." she heard again.

The eldest Halliwell knew the voice well and prayed that they would leave. I don't deserve them being here, she told herself. She felt pathetic and shameful, believing she was letting people down. All Prue wanted was to crawl into the deepest hole and never to be found.

"Prue."

Once more, the owner of the voice refused to disappear as Prue had craved. Just leave! she screamed in her head, being incapable of verbalizing her thoughts.

She felt a twinge as her invisibility power prepared to take control.

However it stopped abruptly as she was pulled from her position and held firmly. At first she struggled against the comfort of the arms but they only held on tighter the more she pulled away. Soothing words floated to Prue's ears, which were barely audible above the static sobbing.

Listening to the relaxing voice, Prue finally quietened slightly to find her own. "I don't deserve you being here." came her muffled response, while once again trying to pull herself free.

"You do. Of course you do." was the whispered reply.

"I don't." she argued, unable to prevent the tears.

Prue had stopped paying attention to the person trying to comfort her, instead she just allowed herself to be held tightly by the arms she would always want and need.

The person continued to smooth Prue's hair and shushed her gently. Then they heard the hushed voice, which stifled by their shoulder.

"It's too much, Mum. It's all too much."

A/N: Do you all understand the emotional baggage stuff now? Also who did you think it was before I told ya?

Now, I kinda need to finish typing up the rest for you guys. I've been so slacked lately it's amazed me.

So, thank you to all my lovely reviewers and hope you liked this chap.

Press the little button and I'll talk to ya later. Bye.